MARQUEE player Euan Murray has been released by Worcester Warriors.

The Scotland international tighthead, who was the Sixways club’s highest earner, signed a new ‘long-term’ contract in January 2013.

Therefore, it appears both Warriors and the 33-year-old front-rower were able to come to terms on his early departure.

Due to his religious beliefs, Murray doesn’t play on Sundays, which wasn’t an ideal situation for director of rugby Dean Ryan.

On top of that, the veteran prop struggled for form and fitness for large parts of last season as he was dogged by a persistent Achilles problem, not to mention the infamous injury to his thumb suffered while chopping wood for a team barbecue.

Murray is the headline news among the list of 12 players who have today been confirmed as having left the club.

Departing players (destination in brackets): John Andress, Jeremy Becasseau (returns to Stade Francais), Chris Brooker (joining Bristol), Mariano Galarza (joining Gloucester), Paul Hodgson, Chris Jones, David Lemi (joining Bristol), Josh Matavesi (joining Ospreys), Euan Murray, Dean Schofield, Ed Shervington (joining Wasps), Semisi Taulava (joining Newcastle Falcons).